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By By James Hanlon james@ouraynews.com, on October 21, 2026
Board seeks clarity on EMS budget
Commissioner: 'Vote of no-confidence' on merger with Ridgway Fire District until concerns resolved

Ouray County commissioners have unresolved concerns with the Ouray County Emergency Medical Services budget that raise questions about the viability of the plan to consolidate EMS under the Ridgway Fire Protection District at the beginning of next year.

‘This is the challenge that I needed in my life’
Main, News...
‘This is the challenge that I needed in my life’
Ouray Ice Park's new executive director trims staff, seeks more buy-in from recreational climbers amid financial crunch
By By Chart Riggall chart@ouraynews.com 
October 21, 2026
In the waning weeks of the 2019 ice climbing season, a 27-year-old Tres Barbatelli stood at the bottom of the Uncompahgre Gorge wondering what he’d just done. Minutes before, he’d rappelled down into ...
Police department dissolved
Main, News...
Police department dissolved
Council turns over services to sheriff; remaining employee laid off
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
October 21, 2026
The city of Ouray terminated the sole employee of its police department and turned over its police services to the Ouray County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, officially dissolving a stand-alone law enf...
News
County wraps up draft budget without layoffs
Initial plan leaves five positions vacant, reduces some departmental hours
By By James Hanlon james@ouraynews.com 
October 21, 2026
Ouray County’s draft budget for next year proposes five staff reductions from general fund departments – all of which are currently vacant positions. The positions are from administration, the assesso...
News
Veteran transport program approved
Veteran transport program approved
October 21, 2026
After resolving concerns about an intergovernmental agreement with San Miguel County, Ouray County commissioners approved a new partnership last week that will transport veterans to medical appointmen...
News
Watershed protection project extended
October 21, 2026
The Emergency Watershed Protection project to mitigate debris flows below the Gold Mountain Fire burn area has received a 45-day extension with a new completion date of Nov. 17. Most construction is s...
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Editor Picks
Letters, Opinion...
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Log Hill funds never meant to offset deficit
October 21, 2026
Dear Editor: I strongly disagree that the Board of County Commissioners be able to tap into or use monies/funds that were paid by and belong to the residents of Log Hill Village, and designated specif...
Letters, Opinion...
Voters deserve better than Congressman Hurd
October 21, 2026
Dear Editor: As we approach the November election, we’ll doubtless be hearing a lot about U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd’s commitment to local issues. His mailers will almost certainly feature the congressman du...
Letters, Opinion...
Weiser committed to CO
October 21, 2026
Dear Editor: Phil Weiser is deeply committed to justice and public service. The son and grandson of Holocaust survivors, he will be willing to fight for the American dream. Phil has made it a priority...
Letters, Opinion...
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Who’s funding statewide measures?
October 21, 2026
Dear Editor: We have seven amendments and seven propositions on our Ouray County ballot. Amendments 81, 82, 83, 84, 85 and 86 and propositions 132 and 136 have as registered agents people from the Wes...
Looking Back
News
Looking Back
October 21, 2026
Compiled from the files of The Ouray County Herald, The Ridgway Sun, and The Ouray County Plaindealer 60 Years Ago October 20, 1966 A parent-teacher day was introduced into Ouray schools Oct. 14. This...
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Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

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